Cal football: Reserve linebacker Gibson retires

BERKELEY -- Cal junior linebacker Jason Gibson, plagued by injuries throughout his college career, retired from football for medical reasons, coach Sonny Dykes announced after Sunday's practice.

Gibson had not practiced this fall after undergoing surgery on his foot after last season.

"He's worked incredibly hard to come back and it's just been really painful," Dykes said. "He's a good kid and I hate it for him. I'm proud of him for working hard and trying to rehab it."

Gibson came to Cal from Gardena as a linebacker, then was moved to safety before last season, when he played the only six games of his career. He was returned to outside linebacker in the spring.

Dykes said he expects Gibson to be granted a medical hardship and kept on scholarship. He is on schedule to graduate next spring.

Cal got an oral commitment from Oaks Christian High-Westlake Village defensive end Trevor Howard, who made the announcement via Twitter. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder is rated as a three-star prospect by both Scout.com and Rivals.com.